In this video, we're exploring the forgotten history of an abandoned Nike missile base on Grand Island, near Buffalo, New York. This abandoned Nike missile base was once a key part of the US nuclear arsenal, but it's now a hidden oasis in the middle of this island. We explore the abandoned Nike missile base in detail, uncovering the history of the base and its role in the Cold War. The Nike Base control area was an integral part of the Nike missile defense system. Its primary function was to serve as the nerve center for managing and coordinating the operation of Nike missile batteries. It housed sophisticated radar and communication systems to detect and track potential threats, such as enemy aircraft or ballistic missiles, and relayed crucial information to the missile launch sites. The control area enabled efficient command and control, allowing rapid responses to potential attacks. Ultimately, it played a crucial role in bolstering the nation's defense during a tense period of history. A ski jump runway is a type of aircraft takeoff ramp designed to assist short takeoff and vertical takeoff (STOVL) aircraft. These runways have an upward slope at the end, resembling a ski jump, which allows the aircraft to generate additional lift during takeoff.